Where to Stay In Granada: Best Neighborhoods + Hotel Choices

Located in Spain's picturesque Andalucia region and nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the beautiful city of Granada blends elegance and edginess with a combination of traditional Andalusian-style architecture and forward-thinking hipster barrios.

Whether you want to see some of Spain's finest historical sites or enjoy the tastebud-tingling tapas promised by this part of the world, you'll find something to do in Granada. Wondering where to stay in Granada during your visit? I've put together the ultimate guide to the best neighborhoods and best hotels in Granada where you can spend time during your vacation.

The best neighborhoods to stay in Granada

El Centro – Naturally, the best place to stay in Granada for first-time visitors is the city centre, where you'll find many of Granada's main attractions, including the grand Plaza Nueva, Plaza de Bib-Rambla, and Granada Cathedral.

Alhambra Palace – The Alhambra is one of Granada's main attractions, so if you're going for a tour of this magnificent building or just visiting for one night and want to see it, consider staying nearby. That way, you can be one of the first tourists in line in the morning.

El Realejo – Within Granada's historic center is El Realejo – the old Jewish quarter. It's full of friendly tapas bars and even nightclubs, so it's the perfect place to sample Spain's famous nightlife. Plus, thanks to its central location, it offers proximity to the main sights.

El Albaicin – If you're looking for a picturesque, romantic part of Granada to stay for a weekend getaway with your significant other, look no further than Granada's prettiest barrio, El Albaicin. Its narrow streets and cutesy independent bars provide you with an eye-catching backdrop for your visit to this Andalucian city.

Sacromonte – Interested in skipping the traditional Granada hotels and staying in a cave? Head to Sacromonte! Set in the steep hills above Granada, this charming neighborhood is endlessly charming and offers serious diversity in the landscape for all those nature lovers.

Zaidin – If you prefer to skip the tourist areas and head straight to where the locals live, you'll love Zaidin, with its authentic edge and laid-back feel.

1. Where to stay in Granada for the first time & sightseeing: El Centro

Granada's center is home to some of the biggest sights, including Granada Cathedral and the Royal Chapel, the seriously impressive Plaza Nueva, as well as tapas bars that will satisfy even the most discerning foodie. You'll find plenty of shops – both big names and independent – here, too, so it's a great place to spend an afternoon indulging in some retail therapy.

Naturally, the center tends to attract plenty of tourists, so it's not for those travelers who like to get off the beaten path, but it's certainly the best neighborhood in Granada for first-time visitors and getting around easily.

Things to see & do

• Visit Granada Cathedral

• Take a stroll around Plaza Nueva

• Grab a drink in Plaza Bib-Rambla

• Hit the shops

• Go for an Arabian Baths Experience

Best area for:

• Shopping

• First-time visitors

• Tourists

• Families

Best hotels to stay in Downtown Granada

($$$) Casa Miravalle Apartamentos Catedral

Situated in the heart of the city, this accommodation in Granada promises free Wi-Fi, modern rooms, private parking, and air-conditioning, with some of the rooms being small apartments with a kitchenette.

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($$) Hotel Granada Center

Offering a city view and a helpful 24-hour desk, this Granada hotel features air conditioning, an on-site sauna, and a delicious Mediterranean breakfast served to guests every morning.

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($) Hotel Párraga Siete

Combining modern amenities with affordable prices, this boutique hotel located in Granada's center is the perfect place for first-time visitors to Granada to rest their heads after a busy day of sightseeing.

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2. Where to stay in Granada closest to the Alhambra Palace

One of Spain's most impressive works of art, the Alhambra Palace is an Islamic palace and fortress with an impressive exterior and an intricate, ornate interior. You can easily spend a whole afternoon – or even a day – exploring this incredible architectural feat, and it attracts thousands of tourists to Granada every year.

If you're looking for Granada hotels with a view of Alhambra or even hotel recommendations in the complex itself, I've put together some suggestions below.

Things to see & do

• Visit the Alhambra Palace complex

• Enjoy a dinner or drink at one of the nearby restaurants

• Stay inside the complex itself

Best area for:

• History buffs

• Anyone visiting Granada to see the Alhambra

Best hotels to stay near the Alhambra

($$$) Parador de Granada

Unbelievably, there's actually the option to stay on the grounds of the Alhambra itself – pretty impressive, right? Housed in a 15th-century convent, this incredible accommodation includes original features, air conditioning, and even a restaurant serving up delicious traditional Andalucian cuisine.

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($$$) Alhambra Palace

This incredible 5-star hotel in Granada is just 100 meters from the entrance of the Alhambra and boasts a 24-hour front desk, a bar with a terrace, and stylish rooms with Moorish-inspired decor.

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($$) Aurea Washington Irving

Situated just 400 meters from the famous Alhambra, this stylish hotel offers incredible rooms with quirky decor inspired by Washington Irving, air conditioning, and even an on-site library.

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($) Las Golondrinas de la Alhambra

Located less than a 10-minute walk from Granada's biggest tourist attraction, this well-equipped hotel offers guests a stylish, clean, and relaxing place to stay near the Alhambra.

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3. Where to stay in Granada for foodies & nightlife: El Realejo (Old Jewish Quarter)

Home to incredible street art, friendly neighborhood tapas joints, and plenty of bars serving up cocktails and cervezas, El Realejo is where to stay if you want to be part of the action. This vibrant neighborhood is known for its narrow streets, which are home to trendy independent stores, bars, and cafes. Plus, it's central enough to be within walking distance of most of Granada's biggest sights.

It's certainly the coolest place to stay in Granada, with a slight hipster edge, and its white-washed buildings offer a whole new type of architecture you won't see elsewhere. Campo del Principe, in particular, is an area within this neighborhood that's home to a particularly large concentration of places to eat and drink.

Things to see & do

• Visit the Church of Santa Domingo

• See the Palaces Torres Bermejas

• Stroll around the Campo del Principe

Best area for:

• Tapas bars

• Nightlife

• Groups of friends

Best hotels to stay in El Realejo

($$$) Arte Vida Suites & Spa

These stunning apartments are set in an early 20th-century building and boast a central location that gives you access to all of El Realejo's best bars and tapas joints

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($$) Monjas del Carmen Hotel

This hotel perfectly blends the traditional with the new, with decor that gives a nod to traditional Andalucian style while also being clean, cool, and contemporary.

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($) Hotel Mercader de Sedas

Situated just a 15-minute walk away from Granada Cathedral, this stylish hotel offers simple, clean, air-conditioned rooms and a breathtaking interior patio.

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4. Where to stay in Granada’s prettiest neighborhood: El Albaicín

Wondering where is the best place to stay in Granada for a romantic getaway? Head to El Albaicin, the prettiest part of Granada, with plenty to do and see. Located on a hill facing the Alhambra and offering incredible views of the city of Granada, this gorgeous barrio is perfect for a stroll or a date night at one of the friendly neighborhood restaurants. It's so beautiful, it's even a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Some of Granada's most luxurious hotels can be found in this bohemian district, which is home to whitewashed buildings, winding streets, and pretty plazas.

Things to see & do

• See a flamenco show in a cave

• Take a walk down Paseo de los Tristes

• Look out over the viewpoint Mirador de San Nicolás

• Visit the Church of San Nicolas

Best area for:

• Couples

• Views

• Pretty squares

Best hotels to stay in El Albaicín

($$$) Esmeralda's House

Promising city views, free parking, air conditioning, and a gorgeous terrace, this entire apartment is perfect for those seeking a relaxing stay in Granada with a view of one of the city's most beautiful areas.

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($$) San Miguel B&B Granada

Promising air-conditioned rooms with a balcony, this charming B&B also boasts a garden, a delicious Mediterranean breakfast, and nearby sightseeing tours.

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($) La Morada Sur

Located just 500 meters from the beautiful Paseo de Los Tristes, this stunning house boasts a terrace, free Wi-Fi, and plenty of notable nearby attractions.

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5. Best area to stay in Granada in a cave & neighborhood with the best views: Sacromonte

Known for its flamenco heritage and its cave hotels (yes, really!), Sacromonte is located on a hillside with incredible views of Granada and plenty of places to eat, drink, and catch a flamenco show. It's just a stone's throw from El Albaicin, one of Granada's other most eye-catching neighborhoods.

Sitting on top of the hill is the Abadia del Sacromonte – an abbey that was built in the 17th century and is a must-see for tourists visiting Sacromonte. If you want to see a more authentic side to Granada that celebrates its famous flamenco culture and beautiful landscape, look no further than the best Granada hotels in Sacromonte.

Things to see & do

• Visit the caves

• See the Sacromonte Abbey

• Take a trip to the Sacromonte Caves Museum

Best area for:

• Caves

• Flamenco

• Nature lovers

Best hotels to stay in Sacromonte

($$$) Casa Cueva Lujo Sacromonte con vistas Alhambra

Promising views out over the stunning Alhambra Palace, this gorgeous holiday home is equipped with everything you could need for a relaxing trip in one of Granada's most eye-catching barrios.

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($$) Apartamentos Montesclaros

If you're looking for somewhere with an outdoor pool to stay in the height of Andalucia's hot summer, you'll love these apartments in Sacromonte, with a swimming pool, terrace, and direct views of the awe-inspiring Alhambra.

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($) Alhambra en el Sacromonte

This sustainable property is located just 700 meters from Paseo de los Tristes and offers free Wi-Fi as well as an outdoor terrace and a gorgeous garden – perfect for relaxing outside with a cup of coffee.

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6. Where to stay in Granada like a local: Zaidin

Are you one of those travelers who like to get off the beaten track and avoid tourist traps? If so, you'll love Zaidin. Although it can be trickier to find accommodation here than in some of the other neighborhoods, it's worth it to soak up that local vibe and authentic culture.

As well as offering an authentic experience, it's one of the most modern parts of the city, with freshly renovated hotels and bars. There are plenty of parks and green spaces for you to stroll around or even indulge in some sunbathing during the summer months. At the end of the summer, you can attend the well-known Zaidin rock festival.

Things to see & do

• Attend the Zaidin rock festival

• See a football match at Los Carmenes stadium

• Spend a day at the park

Best area for:

• Travelers who like to get off the beaten path

• Football fans

Best hotels to stay in Zaidin

($$$) Piso Estadio de los Carmenes

Close to Granada Science Park lies this gorgeous apartment, equipped with everything you need for a relaxing night's sleep as well as a gorgeous outdoor terrace.

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($$) Casa la Fontana

Featuring free Wi-Fi, a sun terrace, and a garden, Casa la Fontana is well-equipped for an enjoyable stay in Granada's most authentic district.

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($) Hotel Andalucía Center

Complete with free Wi-Fi, BBQ facilities, an outdoor swimming pool, and a 24-hour front desk. This gorgeous hotel offers incredible value for money.

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Where to stay in Granada – Frequently Asked Questions

⭐ Is Granada worth visiting?

Granada offers something to keep most visitors happy, from some of the country's best tapas to awe-inspiring architecture that you'll be talking about for years to come. It's well worth visiting, especially if you're doing a tour of Spain's Andalucia region.

📍 What’s the best area to stay in Granada?

The best area to stay in Granada depends on the activities you plan on doing during your stay. First-time visitors or tourists who plan on doing plenty of sightseeing should stay in the center. If the main reason for your visit is to see the Alhambra Palace, you should stay in a hotel nearby.

📅 How many days should I stay in Granada?

Granada is a relatively small city, so you can see most of the center in a long weekend. If you want to get to know all of the city's different districts, however, it's worth visiting for 4-5 days. This is especially true if you're visiting the Alhambra Palace, which tends to be a whole day activity.

☀️ What’s the best time to visit Granada?

Naturally, many tourists visit Granada in summer, and you're basically guaranteed sun if you go during this time. Plus, it's ideal if you need to wait for school holidays. On the downside, however, Granada can get seriously hot during the summer and it will be very busy in tourist attractions like the Alhambra. If you want to avoid the crowds and the scorching sun, visit instead from April to June or September to November. The weather should still be warm enough but it will be much less busy.

✔️ What’s the top tourist attraction in Granada?

The top tourist attraction and one of Spain's biggest draws is the Alhambra Palace, a palace and fortress complex that acts as one of the world's greatest examples of Islamic architecture. The South of Spain has a lot of influence from Islamic cultures due to its geographical location. Construction on the Alhambra began in the 1200s, and it's a go-to attraction for most tourists, located just outside the city center.

🗺 Should I stay in Granada or Seville or Malaga?

Granada, Seville, and Malaga are three incredible cities in Spain's Andalucia region and if you get the chance, they're all worth visiting. Malaga has an unrivaled nightlife and is perfect for beach lovers. Seville is home to traditional Spanish architecture, flamenco, and tapas bars that give you a unique insight into Spanish culture. Granada is a small, picturesque city that's home to one of the country's biggest tourist attractions, the Alhambra Palace.

Which city you should visit depends on what you want to get out of your trip, but if you can see all three cities in one trip, you should.

Where to stay in Granada – Final Words

Granada is a relatively compact city so the good news is wherever you stay in Granada, you'll be within walking distance of the center and the biggest sights.

Where to stay in Granada depends on your interests, but luckily, there's a neighborhood in this beautiful city to suit all types of travelers. Plus, with my ultimate list of hotels in Granada, hopefully, you'll be able to find a charming hotel for your visit, too!